Stabilized ascorbic acid solutions; use thereof; process for their obtention; and formulations comprising the same

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to improved solutions comprising ascorbic acid (vitamin C). These solutions may comprise as much as 15% ascorbic acid; they are stable for at least two years, without no significant development of yellowish coloration and no substantial (not more than 10%) degradation of the vitamin. The process involves sequential additions of ascorbic acid and ethoxydiglycol to a first solution of vitamin in water, which are followed by addition of propylene glycol. The high stirring speed that occurs during the additions favorises a process of micronisation. Mild heating is used to achieve ascorbic acid concentrations equivalent to about 6% in 10% water or higher.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a Continuation-In-Part of PCT Patent ApplicationPCT/CA01/01270, filed on Sep. 10, 2001, which claims priority of U.S.provisional patent application 60/231,068, filed on Sep. 08, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to stabilized ascorbic acid solutions, usethereof, process for their obtention, and formulations comprising thesame. This invention further relates to a process for the obtention ofsuch stabilized ascorbic acid solutions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Skin appearance and elasticity has always been a cosmetic concern foralmost everybody. Skin protection against actinic radiations has becomea great health concern over the past ten to twenty years. UV exposureresults in the formation of noxious reactive oxygen species (ROS). Skindamages cannot only be life threatening, but they contribute forpremature skin ageing. The most popular way by which UV damages areprevented is to block their penetration through the skin using sunscreenformulations. The notion that antioxidants may also be used to improvethe therapeutic or cosmetic performance of dermatological formulationsis more recent. Antioxidants would in that case have a role inneutralizing ROS or preventing their formation into the skin.Antioxidants include compounds such as ascorbic acid and complexes,tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, retinol, retinyl palmitate,hydroquinone, proanthocyaniadins, butylated hydroxytoluene, butylatedhydroxyanisole, astaxanthin, alpha lipoic acid, tocotrienols, certainproteins and coenzyme Qio. Each antioxidant may be used alone or incombination with each another as active ingredients or as stabilizingand preservation agents to protect other active ingredients againstoxidative damages. Antioxidants may also be used alone or in combinationwith reducing agents such as L-cysteine or glutathione.

Antioxidants need to remain in their unoxidized form in order to beefficacious against ROS. Maintenance of antioxidants stability insolutions has been a challenge over the past years.

Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is certainly one of the mostpopular antioxidants. This vitamin is known for its general essentialrole in maintaining health. In dermatology, vitamin C is known for itsimplication in collagen synthesis as well as for its antioxidantfunction, which ultimately helps reduce the expression of skin ageing,translated into the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles in the skin.Vitamin C also has an anti-tyrosinase effect on the skin for skinwhitening effect.

Vitamin C is a moderately strong reducing agent, which makes it unstablein aqueous solutions, especially at high pHs. It is particularly subjectto oxidative degradation.

Water is one of the best solvents to dissolve ascorbic acid. Its limitof solubility appears to be about 330 mg/ml in water. Ascorbic acid istherefore relatively soluble in water. It is much less soluble inglycols such as propylene glycol (50 mg/ml) and in alcohols such asethanol (10 mg/ml in absolute ethanol).

Although water is the best solvent to provide an ascorbic acid solution,it is paradoxically one of the worst to protect ascorbic acid againstoxidative damages. A proportion of water needs to be replaced withanother solvent that provides more stability.

The problem to be solved with ascorbic acid formulations has always beento find a compromise between solubilization and stability.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,043 discloses an ascorbic acid formulation that hasa pH below 3.5, preferably below 2.5. A low pH insures that a highproportion of ascorbic acid remains in the protonated, uncharged form.The protonated form is more stable and more easily permeant through skinand mucosae membranes than the non-protonated counterpart. Metals alsonegatively influence the preponderance of the protonated form ofascorbic acid in a solution. A chelator may therefore be added inascorbic acid solutions to stabilize the vitamin. The carrier in whichthe ascorbic acid is dissolved comprises an alkylene glycol, namelypropylene glycol. The carrier further comprises hydroxyalkylcellulose,the polyhydroxyl function of which apparently participates in thetypical reactions of alcohols. The proportion of water remains very high(more than 50% by weight), which may lead to a relatively rapiddegradation at room temperature.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,983,382 discloses the use of polyhydric liquids tosolubilize and stabilize ascorbic acid. A mixture of ethanol 55-65% andpropylene glycol 20-25% is especially preferred for its excellentcosmetic properties. Water may be present in concentrations up to 12%without adversely affecting the stability of ascorbic acid solubilizedin a mixture of alcohol and propylene glycol. The organic solvents, allcombined, represent up to 90% by weight of a composition. The low watercontents recommended does not appear to permit solubilization of morethan 10% of ascorbic acid.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,348 proposes to combine ascorbic acid, a volatileorganic solvent such as isodecane and a gelling base. The solvent doesnot react with or solubilize the vitamin. Such a suspension is appliedto the skin. The skin moisture penetrates the suspension and solubilizesthe ascorbic acid which then can permeate the skin layer. The solubilityof ascorbic acid in the formulation is not dealt with in this patent.

Another type of dispersion of ascorbic acid is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No6,103,267. Again, this patent does not describe a solution of ascorbicacid.

Another approach to stabilize ascorbic acid solution has been todecrease water activity in the same. U.S. Pat. No. 5,736,567 disclosescompositions wherein water activity is decreased below 0.85. The lowestwater activity achieved with the descriptive examples has been 0.63. Atthis value, the water content is 21%, the ascorbic acid concentration is3%, the polypropylene glycol content is 39.4% and polyethylene glycolcontent is 13% (all percentages given by weight of formulation). Theaqueous phase is combined with an oil phase to provide a compositionthat has a “structure”. This particular formulation has been tested forits stability. After two months at 20° C., 0.7% of ascorbic acid hasdegraded which is fairly good compared to the same solution preparedwith 28% water (3.5% degradation) and a composition also comprising 28%water but without the glycols (6.2% degradation). The concentration ofascorbic acid that may be present in these formulations is not higherthan 10%.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,087,393 discloses a composition comprising ascorbic acidin a mixed glycerol carrier. The glycerol carrier comprises propyleneglycol and butylene glycol, as well as a stabilizer which may bediethylene glycol monoethylether. The preferred proportions of propyleneglycol, butylene glycol and diethylene glycol monoethylether are 25-80%,5-30% and 5-10%, respectively. Ascorbic acid may be present inconcentrations comprised between 2% and 15%. In these solutions, themajor glycol component is clearly propylene glycol while butylene glycolis added as a solubilizing aid and diethylene glycol monoethylether isadded in minor proportion as a stabilizer. The stability of thesesolutions is not excellent because, at best, the samples admittedlystart to develop a yellowish colour after one month at room temperature.

Another approach to formulate and use ascorbic acid in dermatology hasbeen not to deal with its stability. U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,584 proposes toprovide separate compartments that are extemporaneously mixed togetherprior to use. One compartment comprises vitamin C, the other onecomprises an aqueous phase. Once reconstituted by admixing the contentsof both compartments, ascorbic acid is provided in a solution that ismore alkaline than usual solutions of ascorbic acid. The limit ofsolubility of the vitamin achieved with such a solution is close to 50%.Further, once reconstituted, the ascorbic acid formulation comprisesabout half-and-half polyethylene glycol and water.

In view of the foregoing, there is still a need to develop a solubilizedascorbic acid in suitable concentrations, and which remains stable for apractical shipping and storage amount of time, and which keeps a clearsubstantially non-coloured visual aspect for the same amount of time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a first goal of this invention to provide a solution of ascorbicacid that is stable at least for about twenty-four months. The solutionmay comprise concentrations of ascorbic acid as high as 5 to 15%.

The solution comprises a carrier essentially formed of water,ethoxydiglycol and propylene glycol. Ethoxydiglycol is the major glycolcomponent. The solution may be used as is or combined to other carriersto provide a plurality of different topical formulations orcompositions. Sprays, emulsions, droplets, creams, ointments, milks andlotions are all examples of suitable compositions. The solutions andcompositions may be used to prevent or treat a disease or disordercaused by ROS, namely consequent to U.V. or sun exposure. They mayfurther include an anti-oxidant or a reducing agent and they may alsoinclude sunblocking ingredients, and depigmentation (skin whitening)agents or other cosmetically valuable compounds. Compositions comprisingthe present vitamin C solution and one or more of an α-hydroxy acid,retinol, kojic acid, hydroquinone, wine extracts kinetin, vitamin K,ascorbyl palmitate, and magnesium and sodium ascorbyl phosphate are allexamples of specific cosmetic compositions which are objects of thisinvention.

It is another object of this invention to provide a process by whichsuch a stable vitamin C solution can be obtained, which involvessequential additions of vitamin and ethoxydiglycol, followed bypropylene glycol, under high stirring speed. If needed, a last additionof ascorbic acid and heating steps are performed to achieve highconcentrations of the vitamin. The high stirring speed provides formicronizaton of the components, which is responsible for the stabilityof the solutions.

As used herein, the terminology “anti-oxidant plant extract” is meant torefer to plant, seed, herb, spice or fruit extract.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This invention will be described hereinbelow by reference to thefollowing preferred embodiments and appended figures which purpose is toillustrate rather than to limit its scope.

In the appended drawings:

FIG. 1 represents superimposed chromatograms of the present solution (5%ascorbic acid) and of the two glycols composing the carrier.

FIG. 2 represents comparative chromatograms of the solution of thepresent invention and a solution of vitamin C submitted to a controlleddegradation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

This process comprises the step of dissolving a first quantity ofascorbic acid in 10% water, which is followed by addition of a firstquantity of ethoxydiglycol, under high stirring speed. The step ofadding ascorbic acid and ethoxydiglycol can be repeated numerous times(at least one other time), depending on the concentration of ascorbicacid that is sought. After sequential additions of second or thirdquantities of ascorbic acid and ethoxygylcol, propylene glycol is addedto contribute, with water, in the solubilization of ascorbic acid. Therapid agitation and the presence of ethoxydiglycol after each sequentialaddition of ascorbic acid provide for a micronized and stabilizedsolution.

When concentrations of ascorbic acid higher than about 6% are needed, amild heating step (at least about 37-42° C., preferably 40° C.) isrequired to solubilize the last added quantities of vitamin, in thepresence of propylene glycol. For formulating the highest vitamin Cconcentration of 15%, the concentration of water is increased from 10%to 15%. In such a case, sequential additions of ascorbic acid andethoxydiglycol may achieve a concentration such that a higherconcentration is achieved (12% again in the presence of propyleneglycol) prior to heating. A last addition of vitamin can be made,followed by a last heating step. Upon cooling at room temperature, thesolution remains stable.

The selection of the right solvents which involves particularly a highconcentration of ethoxydiglycol, and of the right sequential additionsof ascorbic acid, ethoxydiglycol and propylene glycol, combined to ahigh speed that allows micronization of ascorbic acid into such asolution, all contribute to obtaining a stable solution of ascorbicacid. Heat contributes to increasing the amount of solubilized ascorbicacid.

A micronization process appears to result in a product wherein thecontact of oxygen with the vitamin, is sharply reduced once the latteris in solution. This reduces the oxidative damages to the preciousvitamin. The process provides for a solution that has a shelf life of atleast about two years, without any substantial development of yellowishcolour, which is without any precedent (Data not shown). Formulationsfor the Vitamin-C 5%, -10% and 15% according to specific embodiments areas follows: 5% 10% 15% 10% 10% 10% Item Ingredient % w/w % w/w % w/w %w/w % w/w % w/w 1. Demineralized water 10.0 10.0 15.0 12.0 12.0 10.0grade USP 2. L-Ascorbic Acid grade USP 5.0 10.0 15.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 3.Ethoxydiglycol grade USP 54.9 51.9 47.0 48.90 46.90 51.88 4.Anti-oxidant agent 1.0 1.0 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.0 5. Propylene Glycol grade SUP29.0 27.0 22.0 26 26.0 27.0 6. Fragrance material grade 0.30 0.30 0.300.10 0.10 0.10 MFR 7. Hydroquinone grade USP 2.0 4.0 8. Kinetin gradeMFR 0.03

Item 6 appears optional, since it is a fragrance that is added to confermore attractive properties to the solution for the consumer. In specificembodiments presented in the examples below, Apple crunch™ was used asfragrance material because of its availability on the market. Otherfragrance may be used such as Apple fresh™. Item 4 is used as ananti-oxidant. Items 7 and 8 are further anti-oxidants used in specificembodiments.

General Manufacturing Procedure

The following sequence has been adopted to prepare a vitamin-C 5% to 15%formulations or compositions. The solution is mixed until clear afterevery addition. All percentages are given by weight of finalcomposition. All steps, except the heating step, if required, areperformed at room temperature (18-25° C.).

EXAMPLE 1

Ascorbic Acid 5% (w/w):

Begin with 10.0% Demineralized water,

add 3.00% L-Ascorbic Acid (Hoffman Laroche) and begin mixing at a mediumto high speed (Lightning Mixer or Agitator) add 27.35% EthoxydiglycolTrivalin SF™,

add 2.00% Vitamin-C (Hoffman Laroche),

add 27.35% Ethoxydiglycol Trivalin SF™,

add 29.00% Propylene Glycol,

add 1.00% GreentechTmGrapefruit Extract, and

add 0.3% Apple Crunch™ Fragrance,

Note: no heating is required.

EXAMPLE 2

Ascorbic Acid 10% (w/w):

Begin with 10.0% Demineralized water,

add 3.00% L-Ascorbic Acid (Hoffman Laroche) and begin mixing at a mediumto high speed,

add 25.85% Ethoxydiglycol Trivalin SF™,

add 1.50% Vitamin-C (Hoffman Laroche),

add 25.85% Ethoxydiglycol Trivalin SF™,

add 3.50% Vitamin-C (Hoffman Laroche),

add 27.00% Propylene Glycol, and

add 1.00% Greentech™ Grapefruit Extract.

Heat is then applied in the formulation process. This is an importantstep in order to formulate a concentration of vitamin-C higher than 6%in the solution comprising 10% water. Interestingly enough, thevitamin-C does not support heat well as the latter tends to oxidize theformer. However, the medium in which ascorbic acid is during heatingprovides protection against oxidative damage.

Therefore, a last addition of 2% Vitamin-C is performed, followed byheating to 40 degrees Celcius until the solution becomes all clear anduntil all vitamin-C has been dissolved.

While stirring continues, the solution is allowed to cool down atambient temperature and then, once cooled, 0.3% Apple Crunch™ Fragranceis added.

EXAMPLE 3

Ascorbic Acid 15% (w/w):

Begin with 15.0% Demineralized water,

add 4.5% Vitamin-C (Hoffman Laroche) and being mixing at a medium tohigh speed,

add 23.4% Ethoxydiglycol,

add 2.25% Vitamin-C (Hoffman Laroche),

add 23.4% Ethoxydiglycol Trivalin SF™,

add 5.25% Vitamin-C (Hoffman Laroche),

add 22.0% Propylene Glycol,

add 0.09% Greentech™ Grapefruit Extract,

and 3.0% Vitamin-C (Hoffman Laroche) and heat solution to 40 degreesCelcius until solution becomes all clear and when all vitamin-C has beendissolved

While stirring continues, the solution is cooled down and once cooled,0.3% Apple Crunch™ Fragrance is added.

EXAMPLE 4

Ascorbic Acid 10% (w/w) and Hydroquinone 2% (w/w):

Begin with 12.0% Demineralized water,

add 3% Vitamin-C (Hoffman Laroche) and being mixing at a medium to highspeed,

add 24.45% Ethoxydiglycol,

add 1.5% Vitamin-C (Hoffman Laroche),

add 24.45% Ethoxydiglycol Trivalin SF™,

add 3.5% Vitamin-C (Hoffman Laroche),

add 26.0% Propylene Glycol,

add 1% Greentech™ Grapefruit Extract,

and 2.0% Vitamin-C (Hoffman Laroche) and heat solution to 40 degreesCelcius until solution becomes all clear and when all vitamin-C has beendissolved.

While stirring continues, the solution is cooled down and once cooled,0.1% Apple Crunch™ Fragrance and 2.0% hydroquinone are added.

EXAMPLE 5

Ascorbic Acid 10% (w/w) and Hydroquinone 4% (w/w):

Begin with 12.0% Demineralized water,

add 3% Vitamin-C (Hoffman Laroche) and being mixing at a medium to highspeed,

add 23.45% Ethoxydiglycol,

add 1.5% Vitamin-C (Hoffman Laroche),

add 23.45% Ethoxydiglycol Trivalin SF™,

add 3.5% Vitamin-C (Hoffman Laroche),

add 26.0% Propylene Glycol,

add 1% Greentech™ Grapefruit Extract,

and 2.0% Vitamin-C (Hoffman Laroche) and heat solution to 40 degreesCelcius until solution becomes all clear and when all vitamin-C has beendissolved.

While stirring continues, the solution is cooled down and once cooled,0.1% Apple Crunch™ Fragrance and 4.0% hydroquinone are added.

EXAMPLE 6

Ascorbic Acid 10% (w/w) and Kinetin:

Begin with 10.0% Demineralized water,

add 3% Vitamin-C (Hoffman Laroche) and being mixing at a medium to highspeed,

add 25.935% Ethoxydiglycol,

add 3.5% Vitamin-C (Hoffman Laroche),

add 25.935% Ethoxydiglycol Trivalin SF™,

add 3.5% Vitamin-C (Hoffman Laroche),

add 27.0% Propylene Glycol,

add 1% Greentech™ Grapefruit Extract,

and 2.0% Vitamin-C (Hoffman Laroche) and heat solution to 40 degreesCelcius until solution becomes all clear and when all vitamin-C has beendissolved.

While stirring continues, the solution is cooled down and once cooled,0.1% Apple Crunch™ Fragrance and 0.03% kinetin are added.

These solutions remain stable (±10% degradation) for approximately 24months, which is unheard of.

FIG. 1 shows the location of the peaks of pure vitamin C. FIG. 2 showsthat the maintenance of the peaks confirm that no significantdegradation has occurred during the first 24 months of storage. A peakthat would appear consequently to degradation is not observed in thechromatogram of the present solution.

The pH (dilution of 100 mL in water) for all 3 solutions ranges between2.8 and 3.1.

The medium to high stirring of each ingredient added may be responsibleto help form tiny water and vitamin-C spheres by “micronization” in theethoxydiglycol/propylene glycol (both glycols) solution and because ofthe micronization occurring, it helps to reduce access of air whichwould inevitably oxidize the vitamin in the solution. It is alsopossible that a complex be formed between ascorbic acid andethoxydiglycol.

EXMAPLE 7

Uses and Compositions

Therefore, the above solutions comprising a vitamin C that keeps all itsintegrity are intended to be used as is or through the making of acomposition or a medication, to prevent or to treat any disease ordisorder that involves or is caused by ROS or involving collagensynthesis. The disease or disorder includes but is not limited to skincancer (melanoma), skin irritation or inflammation, dermatitis, skinallergy, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rosacea, radiations exposure includingU.V. or sun exposure, depigmentation (skin whitening) and skin ageing(reduction of wrinkles inter alia). Compositions may comprise anysuitable carrier which may include structuring agents (oils, fattyacids, surfactants, etc.) and a reducing agent or an anti-oxidant whichwould increase the stability of the ascorbic acid or which wouldcomplement its anti-oxidant properties. Further, compositions comprisingany active ingredient which would benefit or not from the protectiveeffect provided by vitamin C against oxidation are within the scope ofthe invention.

In adjunction with the present vitamin C, hydroquinone and kinetin havebeen used in examples provided herein to produce stabilized vitamin Ccompositions. The following currently used cosmetic or dermatologicproducts can all also be formulated in “combined” compositions:α-hydroxy acid, retinol, kojic acid, vitamin K, ascorbyl palmitate,magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate. Thecombinations may include more than one of these products. Thecombination should remain at an acidic pH (below 7.0), and ideally belowthe pKa of ascorbic acid, when this pH(4.17) is compatible with thestability of the other products.

Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way ofpreferred embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departingfrom the spirit and nature of the subject invention as defined in theappended claims.

1. A process for obtaining a stabilized ascorbic acid of a desiredconcentration of 15% (w/w) or less in solution, which comprises a)dissolving a first amount of ascorbic acid in water, thereby obtaining afirst solution; b) adding a first amount of ethoxydiglycol to said firstsolution, under high stirring speed to micronize ethoxydiglycol,ascorbic acid and water, thereby obtaining a second solution; c) addinga second amount of ascorbic acid to said second solution under highstirring speed, thereby obtaining a third solution; d) adding a secondamount of ethoxydiglycol to said third solution under high stirringspeed, thereby obtaining a fourth solution; and e) adding propyleneglycol, which results into the obtention of a solution of ascorbic acidhaving substantially the desired concentration.
 2. A process as definedin claim 1, which further comprises a step f) of adding a anti-oxidantplant extract to the solution of step e).
 3. A process as defined inclaim 2, wherein said first and second amounts of ascorbic acid achievea concentration of 3% and 2% respectively, said first and second amountsof ethoxydiglycol are both 27.35%, propylene glycol and water are addedto achieve 29% and 10%, respectively, and said anti-oxidant plantextract achieves a concentration of 1%, the percentages being given byweight of the final solution.
 4. A process as defined in claim 2, whichfurther comprises adding a fragrance material to the solution obtainedafter step f).
 5. A process as defined in claim 2, which furthercomprises the steps of adding a third amount of ascorbic acid betweensteps d) and e).
 6. A process as defined in claim 5, which, when thedesired concentration of ascorbic acid is more than 6% (w/w), furthercomprises a step of adding a fourth amount of ascorbic acid after stepf), followed by a step of heating at a temperature of about 37 to 42° C.until a clear solution is obtained, followed by a step of cooling downto room temperature.
 7. A process as defined in claim 6, wherein saidtemperature is 40° C.
 8. A process as defined in claim 7, wherein saidfirst, second, third and fourth amounts of ascorbic acid are 3%, 1.5%,3.5% and 2%, respectively.
 9. A process as defined in claim 8, whereinsaid first and second amounts of ethoxydiglycol are added to achieveboth 25.85%, said propylene glycol, water and anti-oxidant plant extractare added to achieve 27%, 10%, and 1%, respectively, the percentagesbeing given by weight of the final solution.
 10. A process as defined inclaim 8, wherein said first and second amounts of ethoxydiglycol areadded to achieve both 24.45%, said propylene glycol, water andanti-oxidant plant extract are added to achieve 26%, 10%, and 1%,respectively, and hydroquinone is added to achieve 2% after the step ofcooling down to room temperature, the percentages being given by weightof the final solution.
 11. A process as defined in claim 8, wherein saidfirst and second amounts of ethoxydiglycol are added to achieve 23.45%,said propylene glycol, water and anti-oxidant plant extract are added toachieve 26%, 10%, and 1%, respectively, and hydroquinone is added toachieve 4% after the step of cooling down to room temperature, thepercentages being given by weight of the final solution.
 12. A processas defined in claim 8, wherein said first and second amounts ofethoxydiglycol are added to achieve both 25.935%, said propylene glycol,water and anti-oxidant plant extract are added to achieve 27%, 10%, and1%, respectively, and kinetin is added to achieve 0.03% after the stepof cooling down to room temperature, the percentages being given byweight of the final solution.
 13. A process as defined in claim 7,wherein said first, second, third and fourth amounts of ascorbic acidare 4.5%,2.25%,5.25% and 3%, respectively, said first and second amountsof ethoxydiglycol are both 23.4%, propylene glycol and water are addedto achieve 22% and 15%, respectively, and said anti-oxidant plantextract achieves a concentration of 0.9%, the percentages being given byweight of the final solution.
 14. A process as defined in claim 7, whichcomprises adding a fragrance material of 0.3% after the cooling downstep.
 15. A solution which comprises 15% or less L-ascorbic acid in acarrier comprising 10 to 15% water, 46.8 to 54.7% ethoxydiglycol, 22 to29% propylene glycol, all percentages given by weight of finalcomposition, the balance to 100% comprising a percentage of ananti-oxidant agent.
 16. A solution as in claim 15, wherein the at leastone anti-oxidant agent comprises an anti-oxidant plant extract.
 17. Asolution as in claim 16, wherein the anti-oxidant plant extract is agrapefruit plant extract.
 18. A solution as in claim 17, furthercomprising an additional anti-oxidant selected from the group consistingof kinetin and hydroquinone.
 19. A solution as defined in claim 15,which has the following composition: water 10%; L-ascorbic acid  5%;ethoxydiglycol 54.7%; propylene glycol 29%; anti-oxidant plant extract 1% and fragrance material  0.3%,

all percentages given by weight of final composition.
 20. A solution asdefined in claim 15, which has the following composition: water 10%;L-ascorbic acid 10%; ethoxydiglycol 51.7%; propylene glycol 27%;anti-oxidant extract  1%; and fragrance material  0.3%,

all percentages given by weight of final composition.
 21. A solution asdefined in claim 15, which has the following composition: water 15%;L-ascorbic acid 15%; ethoxydiglycol 46.8%; propylene glycol 22%;anti-oxidant plant extract  0.9%; and fragrance material  0.3%,

all percentages given by weight of final composition.
 22. A solution asdefined in claim 15, which has the following composition: water 12%;L-ascorbic acid 10%; ethoxydiglycol 48.90%; propylene glycol 26%;anti-oxidant plant extract  1%; fragrance material  0.1%; andhydroquinone  2%,

all percentages given by weight of final composition.
 23. A solution asdefined in claim 1, which has the following composition: water 12%;L-ascorbic acid 10%; ethoxydiglycol 46.90%; propylene glycol 26%;anti-oxidant plant extract  1%; fragrance material  0.1%; andhydroquinone  4%,

all percentages given by weight of final composition.
 24. A solution asdefined in claim 1, which has the following composition: water 10%;L-ascorbic acid 10%; ethoxydiglycol 51.88%; propylene glycol 27%;anti-oxidant plant extract  1%; fragrance material  0.1%; and kinetin 0.03%,

all percentages given by weight of final composition.
 25. A topicalcomposition comprising the solution of claim 15 and a topically suitablecarrier or compound.
 26. A topical composition comprising the solutionof claim 16 and a topically suitable carrier or compound.
 27. A topicalcomposition comprising the solution of claim 17 and a topically suitablecarrier or compound.
 28. A topical composition comprising the solutionof claim 18 and a topically suitable carrier or compound.
 29. A topicalcomposition comprising the solution of claim 19 and a topically suitablecarrier or compound.
 30. A topical composition comprising the solutionof claim 20 and a topically suitable carrier or compound.
 32. A topicalcomposition comprising the solution of claim 21 and a topically suitablecarrier or compound.
 33. A topical composition comprising the solutionof claim 22 and a topically suitable carrier or compound.
 34. A topicalcomposition comprising the solution of claim 23 and a topically suitablecarrier or compound.
 35. A topical composition comprising the solutionof claim 24 and a topically suitable carrier or compound.
 36. A topicalcomposition as defined in claim 15 wherein said compound comprises oneor more of tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, retinol, retinyl palmitate,hydroquinone, proanthocyanidins, butylated hydroxytoluene, butylatedhydroxyanisole, astaxanthin, alpha lipoic acid, tocotrienols, coenzymeQio, α-hydroxy acid, kojic acid, kinetin, wine extract, vitamin K,ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbylphosphate and a sun blocking agent.
 37. A topical composition as definedin claim 16 wherein said compound comprises one or more of tocopherol,tocopheryl acetate, retinol, retinyl palmitate, hydroquinone,proanthocyanidins, butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole,astaxanthin, alpha lipoic acid, tocotrienols, coenzyme Qio, α-hydroxyacid, kojic acid, wine extract, kinetin, vitamin K, ascorbyl palmitate,magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and a sunblocking agent.
 38. A topical composition as defined in claim 17 whereinsaid compound comprises one or more of tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate,retinol, retinyl palmitate, hydroquinone, proanthocyanidins, butylatedhydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, astaxanthin, alpha lipoicacid, tocotrienols, coenzyme Qio, α-hydroxy acid, kojic acid, wineextract, kinetin, vitamin K, ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbylphosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and a sun blocking agent.
 39. Atopical composition as defined in claim 19 wherein said compoundcomprises one or more of tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, retinol,retinyl palmitate, hydroquinone, proanthocyanidins, butylatedhydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, astaxanthin, alpha lipoicacid, tocotrienols, coenzyme Qio, α-hydroxy acid, kojic acid, wineextract, kinetin, vitamin K, ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbylphosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and a sun blocking agent.
 40. Atopical composition as defined in claim 20 wherein said compoundcomprises one or more of tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, retinol,retinyl palmitate, hydroquinone, proanthocyanidins, butylatedhydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, astaxanthin, alpha lipoicacid, tocotrienols, coenzyme Qio, α-hydroxy acid, kojic acid, wineextract, kinetin, vitamin K, ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbylphosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and a sun blocking agent.
 41. Atopical composition as defined in claim 21 wherein said compoundcomprises one or more of tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, retinol,retinyl palmitate, hydroquinone, proanthocyanidins, butylatedhydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, astaxanthin, alpha lipoicacid, tocotrienols, coenzyme Qio, α-hydroxy acid, kojic acid, wineextract, kinetin, vitamin K, ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbylphosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and a sun blocking agent.
 42. Atopical composition as defined in claim 22 wherein said compoundcomprises one or more of tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, retinol,retinyl palmitate, proanthocyanidins, butylated hydroxytoluene,butylated hydroxyanisole, astaxanthin, alpha lipoic acid, tocotrienols,coenzyme Qio, α-hydroxy acid, kojic acid, wine extract, kinetin, vitaminK, ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbylphosphate and a sun blocking agent.
 43. A topical composition as definedin claim 23 wherein said compound comprises one or more of tocopherol,tocopheryl acetate, retinol, retinyl palmitate, proanthocyanidins,butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, astaxanthin, alphalipoic acid, tocotrienols, coenzyme Qio, α-hydroxy acid, kojic acid,wine extract, kinetin, vitamin K, ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbylphosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and a sun blocking agent.
 44. Atopical composition as defined in claim 24 wherein said compoundcomprises one or more of tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, retinol,retinyl palmitate, hydroquinone, proanthocyanidins, butylatedhydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, astaxanthin, alpha lipoicacid, tocotrienols, coenzyme Qio, α-hydroxy acid, kojic acid, wineextract, vitamin K, ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate,sodium ascorbyl phosphate and a sun blocking agent.
 45. A method forpreventing or treating a disease or disorder involving or caused byreactive oxygen species, which comprises the step of topicallyadministering a suitable amount of the solution of claim
 15. 46. Amethod for preventing or treating a disease or disorder involving orcaused by reactive oxygen species, which comprises the step of topicallyadministering a suitable amount of a composition comprising the solutionof claim
 15. 47. The use as defined in claim 45, wherein said reactiveoxygen species are caused by U.V or sun exposure.
 48. The use as definedin claim 46, wherein said reactive oxygen species are caused by U.V orsun exposure.